Investing in People - Reflection_04.10.25 by Melinda Spooner

allisoncsap — 2025-04-10 18:55:33 UTC

My supervisor nominated me for a leadership program

2025-04-10 18:55:50 UTC

A supervisor was committed to knowing what I wanted to learn and how I wanted to grow and discussing how we could build programming around that

2025-04-10 18:56:02 UTC

I received a promotion which gave me new responsibilities and a raise because my manager felt I was capable of taking on a higher level of responsibility within the organization.

2025-04-10 18:56:07 UTC

I had an idea and my manager loved it. Gave me support and resources to figure it out. I felt seen and heard.

2025-04-10 18:56:23 UTC

I had a women's studies prof that went above and beyond to support me and my areas of research. We are still friends to this day.

2025-04-10 18:56:30 UTC

Supervisor asked me what area I desired to work in.

2025-04-10 18:56:31 UTC

4 years ago my then-Director told me I was ready to manage other people. She ensured I had access to all of my org's regular people mgmt resources (which include TMC's Managing to Change the World!), but she also was very clear with me when she said "I believe you will be an excellent manager. I'm not worried at all." Her confidence & faith were invaluable investments.

allisoncsap — 2025-04-10 18:56:34 UTC

My supervisor gave me some tough feedback that I really needed to hear to be able to grow

2025-04-10 18:56:42 UTC

A previous supervisor worked with me on a new job description and promotion because they saw some potential in me.

2025-04-10 18:56:43 UTC

I had a director who, from the very beginning, listened. In our early conversations, she picked up on small things I shared—goals, interests, even doubts—and remembered them. She saw leadership potential in me long before I saw it in myself, and gently encouraged me to grow into it. Her belief in me felt genuine and personal, and it gave me the confidence to step into opportunities I might’ve otherwise overlooked. That kind of thoughtful investment has stayed with me.

2025-04-10 18:56:43 UTC

When I was transferred over to a new manager my second year, she really took the time to help me develop my knowledge of post-secondary processes + the skill of coaching students in their post-sec plans. I felt so seen and so supported! Like I was doing really well and here is how I can do even better

2025-04-10 18:56:47 UTC

My current manager encouraged me to seek out coaching to focus on areas of my work that I wanted to invest time/focus on (beyond time that they spend with me directly)- completely self directed - appreciate that they gave me encouragement to do this and make time for it - great way to show you value someone and their development/growth

2025-04-10 18:56:57 UTC

When I was an intern, my boss would bring me to every meeting so I could "be in the room where it happened." I gained insights, met all the players, etc.

2025-04-10 18:56:58 UTC

Supervisor who gave clear and direct feedback with such care & enthusiasm about me - took the organization's teaching evaluation rubric and made it feel so much more personal/motivating

2025-04-10 18:57:04 UTC

Mentors sharing with me what skills they see I have and how I have contributed and built. And then providing opportunities for me to shadow them and meet their networks.

2025-04-10 18:57:17 UTC

A supervisor recognized I had outgrown my position and proactively sought to promote me (it was not prompted by me).

2025-04-10 18:57:25 UTC

I started in a new role and was able to negotiate a professional development trip to begin the job, coming back with action items and tactics to implement at 3/6/12 month marks.

2025-04-10 18:57:28 UTC

Sharing training opportunities with me.

2025-04-10 18:57:36 UTC

A former director once took the time to coach and support me in becoming a stronger leader. They provided constructive feedback, space to grow, and encouragement through challenges. They highlighted my ideas and helped me find opportunities for further growth.

2025-04-10 18:57:59 UTC

I was handed a ton of leadership in a role I wasn't familiar with, which was a mess in some ways but did give me confidence to get the work done. Mixed bag but overall set me on my path

2025-04-10 18:59:31 UTC

Supervisor/mentor pushing me to make sure that I get compensated for my depth of knowledge, work, and performance. And for me to claim my work.